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I have never considered Michigan my home. It was where I lived. It contained my house. I have fantasized about places I've never been, places with everything that Michigan wasn't. Those were my home.

A house is where you live, but a home is where you find happiness, where you have friends, and where you belong.

Yes, there are things that I have loved about this place, but my desire for everything unknown has led me to long for everything not here.

I have travelled around the world, always finding a reason why one place is better than good old Michigan. It wouldn't have the uncomfortable memories, the loss, or bewilderment. It would have interesting new people, stores, and food. But you know what? I never lived there. If I lived there, I would have bad memories to accompany those of good nature. It would be a home.

Having bad experiences in one place never means the place has nothing to offer. It probably has a lot more than you'd think, if you'd take time to revel in your surroundings, without focusing on where to go next.

This past week, before I soon head off to college, I took the time to be present in my surroundings. I've recognized all of my expereinces, the good and the bad, and how I've learned from both. I've taken the time to travel to some of my favorite parts of Michigan. The lakes, the forests, the wildlife, and culture. I've taken these road trips across Michigan my whole life, but it was never until now that the waterfalls, lakes, and pure Michigan sand, appeared so beautiful in my eyes.

I live in Michigan. It is where my house is. It is where the college is that I'll be attending for the next four years. It will continue to be the host of good times and bad times, but it is where I am, and I'm happy about that. I could be anywhere else right now, and maybe be happier, but this is where I am now. It is my home.

Someday I will be somewhere else, in fact, I know I will be. I will call another land my home. But that is the future, and right now is the present.

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A lot of things have happened this summer. Including a lot of trips. A lot of packing, unpacking, packing, unpacking. And ultimately, a summer of an unclean room. I really have no idea why I haven’t been updating anyone on these great things. It’s not that I don’t like writing, talking, photos, or telling stories. The only idea I have in my mind is this mysterious thing called:

the lazy summer before being an adult.

a.k.a. the summer before college

To answer your questions that all must be dying to know… What have all of these adventures been this summer?

1. Two weeks around Maryland, D.C., and Virginia (I saw a bear)
2. California for a week (I will live by the ocean some day and eat cupcakes and cliff dive)
3. College Orientation (I almost cried when my parents dropped me off)
4. My Cottage (We got a pontoon boat and I guess 18 year olds need fishing licenses)
6. And tomorrow I’m going to the UP. (Pictured Rocks, hiking, and eating like a caveman)

In the midst of all of these great things, I’ve also had some boring days, setbacks from participating in my first duathlon, and just being depressed.

But, as I sit here writing, I’m realizing how amazing everything that’s going on really is. And that maybe, if I took the time to sit down and write about my adventures, and share my stories, I would have been able to slow down and really appreciate the whirlwind of everything going on.

I’m not bored of all of the amazing things I have done. I’m bored of myself- and how I haven’t been living in the moment.

So here’s to my last three weeks in West Michigan before heading to the great city of Ann Arbor for the next four years of my life. And I’m going to *try* to cherish each moment, or at least fill it with a childhood memory.

Each day is a gift, a journey and adventure. A chance to be wild. Don’t sleep through it. Don’t think through. Just do it.

Today I locked my keys in the car for the umpteenth time (probably like 5th).

I parked where I wasn’t supposed to.

Oh, and I got to ride shotgun in a police car. (Don’t worry, I wasn’t arrested.)

I’ve been making a lot of lists lately, mostly because it occupies the summer boredom.

Typically to-do lists, but also things like this, things that basically, make me more excited than coffee.

(Notice that’s #1 on the list.)

1. Drinking this. I actually like it black, but this was the only visually appealing photo I actually took.

2. Eating this and this. The latter, I vowed never to eat again after eating nearly half of it last week. Did I mention I also ate cake and ice cream yesterday? YOLO… I also vowed I would never say that.

3. I’m never going to include YOLO in any formal piece of writing, unless it’s supposed to be funny. (Completely giving an excuse for #2 ^^)

4. I now have amazing art from this artist and this photographer. Check them out. It’ll enrich your life.

5. I will never stop loving this thing. Even if I eat it three times a day. The deli where this originated from, also has a lot of beards, which makes sense because it’s named ‘Two Beards.’ Just look at this.

I realize that a majority of items that comprise my list have to do with food and drink…er, coffee. Hopefully you enjoy reading about what I like to ingest, as much as I like actually ingesting it.

Ooh, #6. I’m one of those people who takes pictures of their food. No apologies.

I also realize that a lot of blogs have lists. What I like…What I ate…What I did on this one day of the week…

I won’t steal your thunder. All the time.

I was so stumped about starting my blogging back up again; where to go with it, what to say, but when I talk about the things that excite me the most (aka this list) it gets the most curiosity and laughs. Apparently I’m sometimes funny. Or at least think I am?

7. You might find me around town with one of these. Not the heart, but the spoon.

8. I like links.

Stay golden.

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